Pat Cummins will pose biggest threat to India reckons Sunil Gavaskar

Pat Cummins biggest threat to India: Sunil Gavaskar  [ICC Twitter]

As the Border-Gavaskar trophy nears its commencement, the excitement amongst the cricketing fraternity has reached a fever pitch. Predictions are rife regarding the highly anticipated series between two formidable cricketing nations, and former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar, has added his two cents to the mix.

Ahead of the series, Gavaskar has unveiled his pick for the biggest threat to the Indian side. According to the Indian veteran, Australian captain, Pat Cummins, will pose a significant challenge to the Indian side. 

The Aussie seamer in the world made a name for himself in the 2020-21 Test series against India, emerging as the leading wicket-taker. With the added responsibility of leading the Australian team, Cummins is expected to raise the bar even higher and finally bring an end to Australia's 19-year drought for a Test series victory in India.

"If memory serves right, the first time he took a five-wicket haul was in the subcontinent (5/34 on debut vs Sri Lanka in Galle, August 2011). Being the top bowler that Lyon is, he will always be attacking and probing, but the real threat is likely to be the pacers," Gavaskar told The Telegraph in an interview.

"Cummins is a terrific bowler, and, as we have seen in the past when the Australians are successful, it is their pace attack that has done the damage." 

However, Gavaskar believes that India may have the upper hand in Nagpur due to the absence of Josh Hazlewood. To add insult to injury, Cameron Green will also miss the first Test, still recovering from a finger injury. 

"When the Australians are successful, it is their pace attack that has done the damage. With Josh Hazlewood likely to miss the first Test with an injury, the advantage could well lie with India," added Gavaskar.

"Both are superb teams and in cricket, you cannot predict. But, as always, the home side starts with an advantage with the crowd support, awareness of ground, weather and pitch conditions," Gavaskar concluded.

It remains to be seen whether Cummins will rise to the occasion and lead Australia to their first Test series victory in India in 19 years or whether India will come out on top and defend their home ground. Either way, it's set to be a nail-biting contest between two cricketing heavyweights.

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